Panama City is a vibrant Gulf Coast destination that's bursting with exciting attractions and activities for the whole family. If you're a beachgoer, you'll love all the soft golden sands and pristine waters.
For a day out, head to Pier Park, where you can shop for everything from beachy boutiques and fruity drinks to restaurants with stunning views of the sea. It's also home to a Ferris wheel that soars 200 feet above the ocean.
Casco Viejo
Casco Viejo (also known as Casco Antiguo) is a UNESCO World Heritage Site, with a lively collection of Spanish and French colonial architecture. The city is awash with bars, restaurants and nightlife hotspots.
It is also home to some of the most beautiful churches in Panama City. The Iglesia de Santa Maria is a must-visit with its beautiful marble altar and stained glass windows.
One of the best things to do in Casco Viejo is to take a guided tour around the area. The tours are very informative and give you a great history of the area.
You can also buy some amazing indigenous handicrafts from Panama here. You can find Embera baskets, hammocks, Panama hats, jewelry and clothing made with local designs. You can also visit Galeria de Arte Indigena to see their incredible collection of molas, or the traditional textiles of the Kuna people who live in Panama.
Shipwreck Island Park
Whether you’re looking for a little thrill or just a nice place to relax, Shipwreck Island Park is the perfect destination. It features attractions and food and beverage outlets that will keep you entertained for hours on end.
The Ocean Motion Wave Pool is a 500,000-gallon pool that creates three-foot waves every ten minutes. These waves contain cool clear water without any creatures that may lurk in the ocean, so there’s no reason to worry if you’re afraid of sharks.
For thrill seekers, the Raging Rapids and Tree Top Drop offer thrilling rides that can send you down a 65-foot slide. Younger guests will enjoy the Tadpole Hole, which includes tipping buckets and slides in the shallow waters.
The 660-foot inner tube ride, White Knuckle River, is also one of the most popular attractions at Shipwreck Island. The Zoom Flume and three twisting body slides are other options that kids love. And the tallest Ferris wheel on the Gulf Coast, SkyWheel, offers panoramic views of Panama City Beach.
Miraflores Locks
The Panama Canal is the economic lifeline of Panama, a vital link between the Atlantic and Pacific oceans. It's also a hugely important part of the country's history and helped make it one of the most prosperous in Central America.
The locks that allow ships to pass between the two oceans are located just a short distance from the city centre. There's a visitors' centre, museum, restaurant and viewing terraces at Miraflores Locks.
Seeing the Canal from the vantage point of Miraflores Locks is a must for any visitor to Panama. Here, you can learn about the history of the Canal, see how the locks work and watch a film that explains how it all came to be.
Getting to Miraflores Locks is easy by bus or taxi. Take the Paraiso or Gamboa buses to the 'Miraflores Locks' sign on the highway, about 12km from Panama City. Alternatively, you can book an Uber ride to the site for around $20 USD.
Zoo World
Zoo World is one of the best places to visit when you’re on vacation with your family. It offers unique animal interactions that you won’t find anywhere else, and the whole family is sure to enjoy it!
- ZooWorld is a non-profit organization that uses public donations to preserve exotic and endangered species. They also educate people on animals and their habitats.
- The zoo has over 200 animals, many of which are exotic or endangered species. The staff tries to add new exhibits every year, so you’re guaranteed to see something different every time you visit!
- It’s fun to pet a sloth, snuggle a lemur or feed a giraffe. They also offer special animal events, like Zoo Boo at Halloween and Christmas fun!
